Fairfield Native Keeping America’s Nuclear Adversaries at Bay

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Amanda Gray | FACES OF THE DEEP: BANGOR, Wash. - “I am in the world’s most exclusive fraternity by being in the submarine community,” said Torpedoman's Mate 2nd Class Stephen Stephenson, assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) (Blue). “Earning my dolphins [enlisted submarine warfare device] was a culmination of hard work, time and effort from not just me, but also my peers and it meant a lot to join this incredible brotherhood. My job has a proud history and heritage. I get a sense of pride in my job that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.”  

BANGOR, WA, UNITED STATES

05.22.2019

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Amanda Gray 

U.S. Navy           

BANGOR, Wash. – A Fairfield, Ohio native is presently engaged in a critical mission for the security of the United States: deterring nuclear war.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephen Stephenson, a torpedoman’s mate, is serving aboard one of the world’s most advanced ballistic-missile submarines, USS Louisiana (SSBN 743). Based at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor in Washington, USS Louisiana is one of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines in the Navy’s fleet.

As a torpedoman, Stephenson is responsible for performing organizational and intermediate level maintenance on test equipment, launching/firing systems, and stowage facilities associated with underwater ordnance.

“There is a sense of pride in my rate,” Stephenson said. “My job has a proud history and heritage. I get a sense of pride in my job that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.”

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to informally as “boomers,” serve as undetectable launch platforms for intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles, and they are the only survivable leg of the nation’s strategic nuclear forces, which also include land-based missiles and aircraft.

“I am in the world’s most exclusive fraternity by being in the submarine community,” said Stephenson. “Earning my dolphins [enlisted submarine warfare device] was a culmination of hard work, time and effort from not just me, but also my peers and it meant a lot to join this incredible brotherhood.”

As effective as the Ohio-class submarines have been over their decades-long lifetimes, the fleet is aging, with the oldest submarines now more than 30 years old, well past their planned service lives.

A new and effective successor is critical to national security, and the Navy is well into the process of designing and fielding a more advanced ballistic missile submarine, which will provide the necessary sea-based nuclear deterrence into the 2080s and beyond
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Submarine sailors are some of the most highly trained and skilled people in the Navy. The training is highly technical, and each crew has to be able to operate, maintain, and repair every system or piece of equipment on board. Regardless of their specialty, everyone also has to learn how everything on the submarine works and how to respond in emergencies to become “qualified in submarines” and earn the right to wear the coveted gold or silver dolphins on their uniforms.

“Our submarine force Sailors embody the excellence and proud legacy of all those who have ruled the undersea to defend our nation’s interests throughout its history,” said Rear Adm. Doug Perry, Commander, Submarine Group Nine. “Their commitment and drive to accomplish the hard, yet rewarding work of defending our nation, in and from the undersea, never fails to impress me. All American’s can be proud and feel secure knowing these young men and women have the watch.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Stephenson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.

““It feels good to be on this platform and know that your job is vital to national security,” Stephenson said.

• Date Taken: 05.22.2019
• Date Posted: 05.23.2019 11:30
• Story ID: 323673
• Location: BANGOR, WA, US
• Hometown: FAIRFIELD, OH, US